ENCA cameraman Lungile Tom has passed away from the novel coronavirus, the outlet confirmed in a statement.

Tom worked as a cameraman at the company's Cape Town office. He was reportedly admitted to hospital on Sunday night, 10 May after testing positive for Covid-19.

However, Tom sadly did not beat the dreaded virus and passed away on Wednesday.

In a social media post, eNCA said it was saddened by the loss:

"The #eNCA family is saddened by the loss of one of our cameramen, Lungile Tom, our colleague and friend based in Cape Town. He was admitted to hospital on Sunday night, May 10, with #Covid19 related symptoms. He sadly passed away this morning. #RIPLungileTom"

South Africans flooded social media with messages mourning his death and it is clear Tom was loved.

Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula wrote on Twitter:

"Rest in peace Lungile Tom, sad news indeed about your passing away. Condolences to his family and all your colleagues at eNCA."